Assessment of Interfaith Harmony Between Muslims and Hindus in Socio-Cultural Activities in Swat

This research work investigated the interfaith harmony and social cohesion between two different religious followers of Hinduism and Islam in District Swat of Pakistan. The current world is facing various kinds of issues and challenges regarding interfaith harmony, peace and social cohesion. This is need of the time to establish a peaceful and harmonised day to day life standard for all the segments of society. This research was an effort to analyse the willingness among the Hindus and Muslims for enhancing their tolerance towards each other’s social and cultural activities. It also aimed to highlight the positive approach of the respondents towards the participation in the socio-cultural activities of each other. The results of association of social cohesion showed nonsignificant relationship with an opinion that Hindu and Muslim communities should take part in socio-cultural activities particularly the sports. Similarly, non-significant relationship was found based respondents’ data with an opinion that relations between Hindus and Muslims shall enhanced through participation in cultural and religious ceremonies. The result further concluded that there was peaceful and harmonised environment between Hindus and Muslims being living in the target area. The minorities were fully enjoying freedom and equality in District Swat. Based on the findings of the study, positive social interaction, mutual respect, positivity in thinking and positive role of local media have been recommended as policy guidelines for promoting inter-faith harmony.

Exploring English Language Teachers Classroom Assessment Practices of Class Viii in Larkano, Sindh

Formative assessment is important in education improvement as it provides instant opportunities to reflect and improve teaching and learning process. There is a dearth of literature on formative classroom assessment practices in Pakistan, and particularly in Sindh. Therefore, this research study explored teachers' classroom assessment practices in English language class VIII. The study was focused to explore the relationship of English language learning and formative assessment in class VIII. In this study qualitative cases study design was adopted in order to explore the phenomenon in the context of Larkano, Sindh. In order to respond the research question the semi-structured interviews, classroom observation and focused group discussion were used as data collection tools. The analysis of the data was carried out using qualitative data analysis approach (Yin, 2009). The participants of the study were the two English teachers (primary participants) and twelve students (secondary participants): six students from each participant teachers' class. The findings revealed that there are many factors that contribute towards assessment practices in classroom such as personal and professional perceptions, experiences and beliefs of teachers, classroom assessment resources, physical structure of the school building, and the textbooks. The teachers adopt subject-based approach to teach English rather than skilled based approach due to contextual constraints and limitations. The study suggests that English teachers professional development courses in formative assessment may be arranged for English language teachers in order to enhance their personal and professional skills.